CDF NEWS RELEASE
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

TUOLUMNE-CALAVERAS UNIT

CONTACT: Sharon Torrence, CDF Information Officer Mary Pitto, County Public Information Officer (209) 754-2739 and (209) 754-6303

RELEASE DATE: Sept 13, 2001 TIME: 1245 hours

San Andreas - The Darby Fire has consumed 13,187 acres and is 70% contained. The fire is contained along the northwesterly line and along the Stanislaus River, within Calaveras County. The crews and air support will work aggressively along the east flank in Tuolumne County. Full containment is expected Friday September 14 at 6:00 PM. Full control is expected Friday, September 21 at 6:00 PM. There have been 17 minor injuries and one travel trailer has been destroyed.

     The control lines held the fire outside of Big Trees State Park, but the park will remain closed to the public through the weekend. CDF is using the area for staging equipment and personnel.

     There are 283 engines and 3,136 fire personnel, 45 bulldozers, 32 water tenders, 9 air tankers, and 13 helicopters. Equipment and crews are also staging throughout Mount Knight, Jupiter, Oak Hollow and Twain Hart in Tuolumne County.

     The evacuations of Love Creek and Doud's Landing were lifted yesterday at noon and the advisory evacuation notices were rescinded at 8:00 PM. Access to Love Creek Road at Moran Road will remain restricted to residents only. Residents should be prepared to show identification.

     The Vallecito Union School district is back in session and on a normal schedule.

     For information regarding road restrictions or closures, call the CHP San Andreas Office from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM at 754-3541 and at their Stockton Dispatch center after 5:00 PM at 943-8600.

     A CDF Fire Information Center is open and can be called between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and midnight at 754-2739, 754-4692, and 754-5773. Other information may be found at the CDF Website at www.fire.ca.gov and the County's Website at www.co.calaveras.ca.us.